UC-Davis Considering the Elimination of Nine Sports

DAVIS, Calif. -- Due to the budget crisis in California, the University of California-Davis has announced the institution's intent to eliminate 5-9 varsity sports by April 1.  One of the sports under consideration of being terminated is the men's water polo program following a 54-year association at the institution. 

Head coach Steve Doten had been anticipating budiget reductions for some time and has been actively fund-raising for the past couple of years.  However, this past February, the Chancellor cut an additional $1.79 million from the budget - a cut which was not anticipated by the coach or the Athletic Director.  The public announcement that 5-9 sports would be eliminated was made on March 11, but the final decision will not occur until April 1.

Rather than wait for a final decision, the UC-Davis men's team has launched a campaign to raise $250,000 in the next two weeks.  As of Monday, March 15, the men's water polo fund currently has $70,000.

Those in the water polo community that would like to assist members of the UC-Davis team in retaining their program may help the effort through a financial donation.  Individuals can make a risk-free donation to the following at this site by writing the following information in the comment box when making the donation:

*This donation is for the men's water polo program at UC-Davis.  If this program is cut, this donation must be returned.*